Constitution Day in Fiji

Fiji is a sovereign democratic state. A former British colony, it became a Republic in 1987. Constitution Day in Fiji is celebrated in Fiji on 25th July 2007. It is Fiji's third Constitution. The Constitution is the supreme law of Fiji. The Constitution Amendment Act 1997, an amendment of 1990 Constitution came into effect from 25th July 1998. Essentially, the Constitution pays heed to recognising, respecting and upholding the rights of many ethnic groups. With the new Constitution, Fiji was also readmitted to the Commonwealth in October, 1997.

The constitutional process leading upto Constitution Day in Fiji started in 1995 with President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara appointing a Constitutional Review Commission. The commissioners were an ethnic Fijian, an Indo-Fijian and the chairman was a former Governor-General of New Zealand. The Commission submitted its report to the President on 6 September 1996. After a lengthy process of scrutiny and review by many authorities, the Constitution was introduced from 25th July 2007. Fiji's Parliamentary procedures and customs are modelled on the British Parliament. Thus the Constitution Day in Fiji came to be celebrated on 25th July 2007.

The Constitution makes it mandatory for citizens above 21 years of age and residing in Fiji for the preceding two years to register. Registered voters are required to vote by Law. Under the 1997 Constitution, winning is by absolute majority. A multi party Cabinet comprises of the Prime Minister and Ministers. The Constitution also ensures the independence of the judiciary through a system of checks and balances. Fiji's Constitution was only the second constitution internationally to specifically protect against discrimination because of sexual orientation. Though it is not on this count alone that Constitution Day is celebrated in Fiji. Given its priority of protecting the rights of all and diverse groups of citizens, the Fijians observe Constitution Day in Fiji.